Study Guide for "The Heart of the Widow"

In his General Conference talk, "The Heart of the Widow," Elder O. Vincent Haleck of the Seventy shares profound insights about the faith, love, and sacrifices of the Saints in the Pacific. Drawing parallels between these modern-day Saints and the biblical widow who gave her two mites, Elder Haleck illustrates the depth of their commitment to the gospel. Through inspiring stories and personal experiences, he emphasizes the importance of giving all we have to the Lord, enduring hardships with faith, and building up the kingdom of God. This talk encourages us to develop the "heart of the widow"—a heart that is willing to sacrifice and serve selflessly for the sake of the gospel.

Before Reading

Before reading or listening to the talk, consider the following questions:

What does the story of the widow's two mites teach us about sacrifice and commitment?
How have modern-day Saints exemplified the heart of the widow in their lives?
What are some of the sacrifices that new converts might face when joining the Church?
How can we develop a heart that is willing to give all for the gospel?

Topics

Recognize the Value of Small Sacrifices

Elder Haleck begins by recounting the story of the widow's two mites, emphasizing that even small contributions are of supreme value to the Savior when given with a pure heart. This principle is illustrated through the faith and sacrifices of the Saints in the Pacific, who often give all they have despite their limited means.

Even though her two mites were a meager contribution, to the Savior her gift was of supreme value, because she gave everything.

The quality and depth of her love and faith were such that she gave knowing that her "want" would be supplied.

Why did the Savior value the widow's two mites more than the larger contributions of the rich?
What does this story teach us about the nature of true sacrifice?
In what ways can you give more of your time, talents, or resources to the Lord?
Reflect on a time when you made a small sacrifice that had a significant impact. How did it strengthen your faith?

Endure Hardships with Faith

Elder Haleck shares the story of a couple in the Pacific who, after receiving a testimony of the gospel, faced significant personal sacrifices, including loss of employment and social standing. Despite these challenges, their faith remained unwavering, illustrating the heart of the widow who gives all despite personal cost.

Their decision and baptism carried with them a high price. They lost employment, they sacrificed social standing, important friendships dissolved, and the support, love, and respect of family were withdrawn.

His simple and unwavering reply was "It is true, isn’t it? Our choice was clear."

What are some of the sacrifices that new converts might face when joining the Church?
How can enduring hardships with faith strengthen our testimony?
Think of a time when you faced a difficult decision because of your faith. How did you rely on the Lord for strength?
How can you support new converts who are facing hardships due to their decision to join the Church?

Embrace the Light of the Gospel

Elder Haleck recounts a story from Samoa, where a paramount chief opened his village to the missionaries after many years of prohibition. This act of embracing the light of the gospel, despite opposition and tradition, exemplifies the heart of the widow—a heart willing to accept and share the truth.

A man can live in the dark for a period, but there will come a time when he will long to come into the light.

This leader was willing to relinquish years of tradition, confront much opposition, and stand firm so that others might be blessed.

What does it mean to embrace the light of the gospel?
How can we help others come into the light of the gospel?
Reflect on a time when you felt the light of the gospel in your life. How did it change you?
How can you be a light to others in your community or family?

Give Generously and Joyfully

Elder Haleck shares an experience from American Samoa, where ward members gave generously to the temple building fund despite their limited means. Their joyful and willing sacrifices reflect the heart of the widow, who gives freely from her "want" with faith in the promised blessings.

These were, in every way, modern-day widow’s mites given freely from their "want," with a joy in the promised blessing of the construction of a holy temple of the Lord in Samoa.

Their gift manifested their widow’s hearts.

Why is it important to give generously and joyfully?
How does giving from our "want" demonstrate faith?
Consider your current contributions to the Church. How can you give more generously and joyfully?
Write about a time when you gave joyfully and the impact it had on you and others.

Build Up the Kingdom of God

Elder Haleck concludes by encouraging all Saints to develop the heart of the widow, which is characterized by a willingness to sacrifice and serve to build up the kingdom of God. He promises that the Lord will not leave us wanting as we bear our burdens and make necessary sacrifices.

The heart of the widow is defined by a willingness to give all for building up the kingdom of God on the earth.

I promise that the Lord will not leave you wanting.

What does it mean to build up the kingdom of God?
How can developing the heart of the widow help us in our efforts to build up the kingdom?
What sacrifices can you make to help build up the kingdom of God?
Reflect on how the Lord has blessed you as you have served and sacrificed for His kingdom.